Is Charlottesville or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Charlottesville is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 12/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,550 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 35% lower. Charlottesville has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Charlottesville has a 87% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 34.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Charlottesville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charlottesville, VA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charlottesville | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,550.1 | 5,458.5 | -1,908.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 359.0 | 910.3 | -551.3 |
| Murder Rate | 2.2 | 16.9 | -14.7 |
| Rape Rate | 42.4 | 46.1 | -3.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 60.2 | 273.2 | -213.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 254.2 | 572.5 | -318.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,191.1 | 4,548.2 | -1,357.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 240.8 | 319.0 | -78.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,660.3 | 3,223.6 | -563.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 289.9 | 1,005.6 | -715.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlottesville or Philadelphia safer?
Charlottesville is safer with a total crime rate of 3,550 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 35% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charlottesville has a violent crime rate of 359.0 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Charlottesville has lower violent crime.
About Charlottesville, VA
Charlottesville, home to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, is a university town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city is predominantly white, with a significant student population from the University of Virginia. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 44,844, Charlottesville has a total crime rate of 3,550.1 per 100,000 residents.
About Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence, is Pennsylvania's largest city. Situated along the Delaware River, its diverse population contributes to a rich urban tapestry. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,549,259, Philadelphia has a total crime rate of 5,458.5 per 100,000 residents.